Derived forms

Word origin of 'prevail'

C14: from Latin praevalēre to be superior in strength, from prae beyond + valēre to be strong

prevail for learners of EnglishPowered by COBUILD (prɪveɪl)

Word forms: prevails, prevailing, prevailed

Definitions

1. verb

If a proposal, principle, or opinionprevails, it gains influence or is accepted, often after a struggle or argument. [V] ⇒ We hope that common sense would prevail. [V] ⇒ Rick still believes that justice will prevail. [V + over] ⇒ Political and personal ambitions are starting to prevail over economic interests.

2. verb

If a situation, attitude, or customprevails in a particular place at a particular time, it is normal or most common in that place at that time. [V] ⇒ A similar situation prevails in America. [V] ⇒ ...the confusion which had prevailed at the time of the revolution. [V-ing] ⇒ How people in a certain era bury their dead says much about the prevailing attitudes toward death.

3. verb

If one side in a battle, contest, or disputeprevails, it wins.be victorious [V] ⇒ He appears to have the votes he needs to prevail. [V + over/against] ⇒ I do hope he will prevail over the rebels.

4. verb

If you prevail upon someone to do something, you succeed in persuading them to do it. [formal] [V + upon/on] ⇒ We must, each of us, prevail upon our congressman to act. [Vupon/on n to-inf] ⇒ Do you think she could be prevailed upon to do those things?

Example sentences containing 'prevail'

Conditions such as now prevail belong in our legends of the Golden Age.Asimov, Isaac THE COMPLETE STORIES VOLUME 2He will prevail against all the evils that lie within the boundaries of the world.various & introduction by Deirdre Chapman A ROOMFUL OF BIRDS - SCOTTISH SHORT STORIES 1990The natural order would prevail once more with the current scouring the coast from east to west.Mark Mills AMAGANSETTThey couldn't prevail upon the authorities of the kirk to let her be buried in consecrated ground.various